Machine for unloading articles from containers



June 14, 1960 w. PECHY 2,940,636

MACHINE FOR UNLOADING ARTICLES FROM CONTAINERS Filed July 20, 1955 '7Sheets-Sheet 1 w. PECHY 2,940,636

MACHINE FCR UNLCADINC ARTICLES FROM CONTAINERS 7 Sheets-Shes?l 2 June14, 1950 Filed July 20, 1955 AT TO RNEYS TCT INVENTOR.

WILLIAM PECHY BY /ZM im Wwf June 14, 1960 w. Pl-:cHY 2,940,536

MACHINE FOR UNLOADING ARTICLES FROM CONTAINERS Filed July 20, 1955 7Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR.

WILLIAM PECHY w. Pr-:cHY 2,940,636

MACHINE FOR UNLOADING ARTICLES FROM CONTAINERS June 14, 1960 7Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed July 20, 1955 QNN /Hm y INVENTUR.

WILLIAM PECHY ATTORNEYS cui W. PECHY June 14, 1960 MACHINE F' ORUNLOADING ARTICLES FROM CONTAINERS 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed July 20, 1955NN NN W. PECHY June 14, 1960 MACHINE FOR UNLOADING ARTICLES FROMCONTAINERS '7 Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed July 20, 1955 FIG.I|

Y RH mm who. mm U n w ATTORNEYS June 14, 1960 w. PECHY MACHINE: FCRUNLCADINC ARTICLES FROM CONTAINERS Filed July 2o, 1955 7 Sheets-Sheet 7United States Patent MACHINE FOR- UNLOADING ARTICLESV FROM CONTAINERSWilliam Pcchy, Belmar, NJ.,vass'ignor to American Can JCompany, NewYork, N. t., a corporation of New ersey Filed July 20,- 1955, Ser. No.523,267

4 Claims. (Cl. 221104) The present invention relates to a machine forauto matically unloading articles such as rectangular fibre milkcontainers from shipping carriers such as paper bags or cartons in whichthe articles are arranged in parallel rows and vertically stacked layersand has particular reference to devices for unloading the articles in anorderly mannerin separate rows for advancement in a substantiallycontinuous procession from the unloading machine to a subsequentoperation-- or receiving machine.

In order to maintain empty bre milk containers in sanitary conditionduring shipment and storage prior to tilting with milk' at a dairy, theyusually are pack'edin large paper bags or carriers which are sealedagainst the entrance of any contaminating mediums.- The containers arepacked' in the carriers in orderly fashion, usually in juxtaposed andsuperimposed rows to form stacked layers' to protect the containersagainst damage during shipment and to occupy a minimum space duringstorage., Y

When the containers yare to be filled with milk, the carriers are openedand the containers removed and arranged in a substantially continuousrow for feeding in processional order into a lling machine. Theseopera'- tions usually are performed manually by operators who must keepthe feed-in substantially continuous for ef-v cient results.

It is an object of the instant invention to' provide an automaticunloading machine for the above purpos'eto insure substantiallycontinuous feed of the containers to the filling' machine.

Another object is the provision of such a machine which handles thecontainers gently so as to prevent damage to the containers and whichhandles them in an orderly fashion so as to insure proper location andposition of the containers upon receptionin the lliugfma chine.

Another object is the provision of such a machine` which readily handlesthe containers under high speed operating conditions so as to keep pacewith' high speed filling machines.

Numerous other objects' and advantages of the irivenftion will beapparent' 4as it is better understood from the following description,which, taken. in connection With the accompanying drawings, discloses apreferred embodiment thereof.

Referring to the drawings:

Figure l is a" front view ofan unloading'machine" embodying the instantinvention, partsbroken away;

Figs. ZV and 3 are transverse sectional views tahkenfsubstantially alongthe broken lined-2 and the line 3*-'3 respectively in Fig. 1,lpartsbeingxbroken away;VA

Fig: 4 isl aV rear view ofthe machine shown-in Fig. l', with partsbroken`V away; V I

Fig; 5 is a transverse vertical section taken' substantially .along thebroken line' SiS inK Fig; 4, with parts broken away;

Fig. 6jis ahorizontalz s'ectionalfpla'n View taken sub-` stantiallyalongjthe line in Fig; 5,"witli parts'ibroken away;

2,94as36 Patented .Furie 14, 1960 Fig'. 7 is a fragmentary sectionalview taken subL stantiallyalong the broken line 77 in Fig. 5;

Fig'.Y 8" is a top plan View of the machine shown in Fig. l, with 'partsbroken away; v

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary sectional vview taken substaiitially along thebroken line 9--9 in Fig. 1; 4

Fig. l0 is Ia fragmentary sectional v,View taken substantially along theline 10--10 in Fig'. 6;

Fig. l1 is an enlarged 'fragmentary section taken subst-antially along.the line 11-11"n Fig. 5; y

Fig. l2 is an enlarged plan view' of av portion of the machine shown atthe lower left in Fig. 6, parts' being broken back" and shown insection;

Fig. 13 lis a` diagrammatic view showing principal pants of ythemachiiie, including an electric wiring diagram and a hydraulicpipingvsystem used in the machine; and

Fig. 14 is a sectional detail taken substantially along the line LLM inFig.r 5.

As a preferred or exemplary embodiment of the invention the drawingsillustrate a machine for automati=Y cally unloading rectangular bre milkcontainers A (Figs. l, 5 yand 8) such as disclosed in UnitedV Sta-tesPatent 2,085,979, issued July 6', 1937, tto John M. Hothersall, fromrectangular paper bags or carriers B Which the containers are arrangedinlhorizontal parallel rows and vertically stacked'layers. In thedrawings each baggB'is shown, by way ofertar'iiple, as holdingns'evenlayers of containers A lying on their sides, cach layer comprising threehorizontal paralleli-OWS of ninetjuxtapose'd con` tainers each, the rowsof each layer beinga'rang'ed vcr-A ticallyY in three juxtaposed stacks,to provide stacks of a plurality of single rows of containers. Y

In unloading the containers A from the bags B, the' sealed bagpreferably is positioned' in the machine in an ori-side' position, withthe containers lying on their sides and extending' in an e'iid'wise'Vdirection transversely of the machine asv shown in Fig`. 5; The two endsof thelbag are cut o`, preferably before entry into the' n'iac'hine, tovexpose the outer' en'ds of the two outer stacks of the containers.

the containers A in this position in the' open ended bag, the' entirecontents or the bag are' pushed partially through to push oneA stack outof the bag and en pose it for'fceding' row-by-row until the entire stackis disposed of. A repeat operation is then performed on the next stack,and finally onj the" third or last stack to thus completelyv unload thebag'.

As each stack is exposed, preferably all containers above the lowermostrow' are clamped ini place while the lowermost' rowtis removed fromunder the stack and adv vanced along' a predetermined line` of travel totak'e' its place in and 'thus form a' substantially continuousprocession of the containersV advancing Ytoward the lilling machine.Upon complete removal' ofthe lowermost row from the stack, the rowsabove are unclampcd and lowered a distance equal to the height of onerow to positiony the row next above in the place of and to constitute anew lowermost row. The remaining rows above are then reclam'ped toLpermit removal of the loW'ermos't row. Through4 repetition of thisprocedure the entire stack disposed of rowLb'y-row. A new stack ispushed into p lace to be disposed of row-by-row in the same maln-v nerdescribed above, as soon asone' stack is unloaded. The machine forunloadingthe containers A from the carriers Bjin the manner describedabove, comprises a novel combination of machine elements mounted" on andin" a generally rectangular main frame 21 (Figs. l, 4, 5, 6'1a'nd58)secured to a base p late `22. 'I he top of the fram'cZI is fiat' andhorizontal and constitutes a bed' 23 onV which the carrier Bis receivedfor unloading; A pair of spaced and' parallel guide rail'sVZ-S (Figs. 1and' 8) extending transversely of' the' machine and a longitudinall 3 Yrail V26 disposed adjacent the outer ends of the rails 25 are secured tothe machine bed 23 to locate the carrier B in place while beingunloaded. The carrier B is Vheld "amnestyV Y A l.

Pushing Vof the stacks of containers A out of the carrierrB through itsinner open end preferably is effected by aA horizontally reciprocableYpusher plate 31 (Figs.'4,V

5,and 8)-.which is located adjacent the outei open end of the carrierBand is adapted to moveV into the carrier. The plate 31'preferably isVrectangular'in configuration and atits lower Yedge is tessellated toclear a similar edge on the outer guide rail 26 (Fig. 4). This plate 31is mounted on one end of a horizontally disposed piston rod 32 arrangedin endwise or'axial alignment with the open Y ends Vof' the carrier B.The opposite or outer end of the piston rod 32 carries a piston 33' (seeFig. 5) which operatesv inl a Ycylinder 34 mounted on the machine bed23. Y The pusher plate 3X1 is advanced into and through the carrier B inpartial, short strokes equal to the length of the containers A to pusheach stack of containers out of the'inn'erend of the carrier.A This iseffected through a Viuid pressure medium, such. as oil or other suitableiluid acting upon the piston 33 in the cylinder 3'4. For thisY purposethe ends ofthe cylinder 34Y are connected to and communicate with a pairof main feed pipes 36, 37 Yof a hydraulic or uid pressure systemdiagrammatically shown in Fig'. 13. Y Y

The-feedpipe 36 leads from the cylinder V34, to one end'o'f a slidevalve housing 38 (Fig. 13) Ycontaining a horizontally movable slidevalve 39. The shifting of the slide valve 39 is controlled by a pair ofelectric solenoids 41, 42.which are located outside the housing 38 andwhich surround Vrespective core bars 43, 44 which extend from the endsof the slide valve and project outside the housing. The feed pipe 37leads from the cylinder 34 to a cut-` oif valve housing 46 containing avertically movable cutoli valve 47 normally disposed in the bottom ofthe housing as shown-in Fig. 13. The valve 47 is retained in thisposition under tension of a spring 48 disposed outside the valve housingand interposed between the housing and a head 49 of a stud 50 attachedto the lower end of the'cutoi valve 47. Vertical movement of the valve47 is controlled by an electric solenoid 53 disposed outside the valvehousing 46 and surrounding a core rod 54 attached to the valve.

VThe interior of thercutoif valve housing 46 above the l normal positionof the valve 47 communicates with one end of a pipe 56 which at itsopposite end communicates with the interior of the slide valve housing38 at the end of the latter housing opposite the pipe 36. Between thetwo pipes 36, 56 and on the same side of the slide valve housing 38,Vthe interior of the housing communicates with a main supply pipe 57which leads from a fluid circulating or feed pump 58. The pump 58 isalso con-Y nected byv a return supply pipe 59 having three returnYbranch pipes 61, '62, 63. The pump 58 preferably is main-v tained 'incontinuousA operation to maintain continuous circulation of the iluidpressure medium through the system; .Y

The branch return pipe 61 leads from the main return pipe 59 to theinterior ofthe cutoff valve housing 46 near the bottom of the housingwhere its entrance into theY housing is normally cut oi by the cutolvvalve 47. The branch return pipe 62 connects the main return pipe v59Y'with the main feed pipe 36. This branch return pipe 62'iuclud'es aYpressure relief valve 64 which permits the fluid pressure medium toV owfrom the pipe 36 into the returnpipe 62 only when too great a pressureis created in'the pipe 36 as when the piston 33 reaches the end of a.

return stroke in the cylinder 34. The branch return pipe A63 connectsthe main return pipe 59 with the interior of the slide valve housing 38at a point opposite the supply pipe 57. Y Y

To control the reciprocation of the'piston 33 in its cylinder 34 throughthe hydraulic system described above, the slide valve 39 on the side*vadjacent the Yfeed pipes 36, 56 and supply Vpipe. 57, isf formedfwithchannel or recess 66 of a length suicient to provide communicationbetween thecentrally located supply ,pipe 57 and one or the other'ofthetwo feed pipes 36, 56.Y the opposite side of the slide valve 39, i.e.the side adjacent the branch return pipe 63, the valve is provided witha partition fin 67 which is located substantially midway between theends which theV partition'n 67 is located'at the right Vof thebranchlreturn pipe. 63, establishing Vcommunication between the pipe 63andthe'eed-'pipe 56V. In this position ofthe slide valve 39'the pump SSdraws the fluid pressureY medium out yof the cylinder 34 in the spacebetween the piston 33' andthe `end of the cylinder at the'left (asviewed in Fig. '13) by way of the feed pipe'37, cutoff valve housing 46,feed pipe 56, through the end of the slide valve housing 3S at the left,branch return pipe 63, andmainreturn pipe 59 to return the iluid to thepump.

`During thisaction the pump 58. also forcesthe Vfluid pressuremediunilthrough the supply pipe 57, channel 66 inthe slideV valve 39,and feed pipe 36 Vinto the cylinder at lthe right (as viewed in Fig. 13)for pressure action against the piston 33to force and temporarily holdthe piston" in its normal position at the end of the cylinder atV theleft (as viewed in AF-ig., 13) in readiness Yfor a working stroke. vWhile the .piston 33 -is at rest in its normal position, excess pressurecreated in the cylinder 34 through continuous operation of the pump 58is relievedby automatic opening of the relief 'valve 64 which thereuponbye-passes. kthe continuously circulating` fluid pressure medium throughtheY branch return pipe 62 to the main return .pipe 59 Ato permit theexcess pressure medium to,retu`rn'to the pump.-

lP ositioningof a bag orV carrier B of the containers A on the bed 23 ofthe' machine is manually effected during thisY portion of*V the. cycleof operation of the machine whilethe piston v33 and the, pusher plate31'connected thereto' are heldin their normalretracted positions by thepressure `medium as just explained above and as shownin Fig. 13. t

' At'the proper time in the cycle of operation of the machine, theslideY valve solenoid 41-(Fig. 13 Vat left of slide valve) is'energizedas will be explained more fully hereinafter in connection with thewiring diagram. This solenoid 41, as well as solenoid 42' are of thetype which permit their movable Vcores 43, '44to remain in a shiftedposition upon momentary energizationY of the solenoid. Hence theslidetvalve 39 controlled by the solenoids 41, 42 remains Yin a shiftedposition until an oppositely dis posed solenoid is energized. Y l

The energization of the/solenoid` 41 shifts the slide valve 39Yfrom ,thepositionshown in Fig. l3.to a new position inthe end Vofthe slide valvehousing -3'8 at the left,(as viewed-.in Eig. 13). In this new positionof the Y.clamped containers above.

vide for yieldability of the pads.

again drives the cam shaft lthroughianother cycle of seven revolutions.v

The energization and deenergization of thev solenoid F96fis effected intime with the rotation of the driving gear'89 and through closing andopening of a normally v open electric switch 101 (Figs. 6; 10 and 13).For this 1 108 and the gear 109 is l to 2, Hence the ratio betweenpinion103 and gear 109 is 1 to8, .e. pinion 103 makes eight rotations toone ofthe gear 109. This gear 109 carries a pin cam 115 (Fig. l0) whichprojects outwardly for engagement against a movable element 116 of theVswitch 101. The movable element 116 is of suicient length to remain incontact with the pin cam 11,5 as the latter moves with the gear 109, tohold the switch 101 closed Yfor its proper duration.

During the seven revolution cycle of rotation of .the

Vcam shaft 81,' the containers A supported on the table 71 are removedone rowr at a time from the bottom of the stack of containers until thecomplete stack has been disposed of. `This is effected, as hereinbeforementioned,

by a clamping of thecontainers above the lowermost row, a verticalmovement of the table 71, and a longitudinal advancement-of the-lowermost row out from under the All of these movements are effected bycams rotating with the cam shaft 81.

In this cycle of operations, the clamping of the conn tainers above thelowermost row takes place first. The clamping of thecontainers iselected by a plurality of spring pressed pads 121 (Figs. l, 4, 5 andS)located adjacent Vthe ends of the six rows of containers above thelowermost row of the stack resting on the table 71. There preferably aretwo vertical sets of the pads 121 at each end of the stack as shown inFig. 5.

The pads 121 (Fig. l) are formed with horizontal stems 122 which Vareslideably carried in vertically disposed wings 123 located one at eachend of the stack.

rCompression springs `124 surrounding the stems 122 and interposedbetween the pads 121 and the wings 123 pro- A head 125 on the outer endsof the stems122 limit the inner travel of the pads. g Y

The ,wings 123 are provided with arms 127 (Figs. 5 and 8) which aremounted on a pair of vertically disposed rocker shafts 128 located oneon each side of the containers on the machine bed 23. The rocker shafts128 are carried in bearings 129 formed inthe bed 23 and thrust bearings130 formed on the machine base plate 22.

These rocker shafts 128 are rocked in opposite directions,

khold thecontainers in the stack on the table 71 and at the proper timeto swing away from the containers to release them.' For this purpose therocker shafts 128 below i the bed 23l carry a pair of oppositelydisposed arms 132 (see also Fig.\6).

The outer ends ofthe arms 132 are connected together -by a diagonallydisposed 'cross-link 133. One of the rocker shafts V.128 carries a camarm 135. which on its outer end carries a cam roller 136 (Fig.'5 whichoperates l vin a cam groove 137 of :a barrel cam 138 mounted onandfrotating'withv the fcam ishaft 81.

' The'V cam shaft 81through each ,revolution rotates the cam 138throughone cycleofoperation and during this `cycle the.wings'123.arefmoved inwardly toward the ends "8 ofthe containersin. the six rowsabove the lowermost {row to kyieldably press the pads 121 against theend containers Vof eachrovv Vand thus between them'clamp the rows inplace against downward movement. 'Following this clamping action thelowermost row Yof Ycontainers is removed and the containers above arethen unclamped by a t. swinging away of the wings 123 and their pads 121to f permit lowering of the containers one row for arepeat *'operation.This lowering of the unclamped containers 'i is elected by verticalmovement of the table 71.

The table '71 (FigslV 5, 6 and l2) is a horizontally disposed-elongated,rectangular box-like element of a width less than the length of thecontainers A supported thereon 'and of a length substantially equal tothe length of one row of containers (as shownrin the drawings ninecontainers). This table 71 extends along the front edge of `the machinebed 23 in'V spaced relation' thereto and in its normal vertical positonits top face is flush with the top of the bed 23 so that the stacks ofcontainers can be readily pushed from the bedr23 acrossthe space andonto the table. The top face of the table preferably is slotted Ytoreduce fnctional engagement with the con- The table 71 is supported on apair of depending rods 141 (Figs. 5, 6 and l2) which are slideablycarried in a pair of vertical slide bearings 142 formed in brackets 143`which extend downwardly and outwardly from the machine bed 23. Verticalmovement of the Ytable 71 is ef Vfected by a bifurcated bell crank 145(Fig. 5) which is mounted on a pivot -pin 146 carried in a pair ofbrackets 147 which depend from the machine bed 23.Y Horizontal arms v148of the'bell crank -145 are formed at their outer ends with slots 149(Fig. 5) in which pins 150 operate. The pins 150 extend through verticalslots 151 in the slide bearings 142 and are secured in the table supportrods 141.V The bell crank 145 is also provided with a depending arm 152(Fig. 5) which at its lower end carries a cam roller 153 which operatesin a cam groove 154 of a barrel cam 155 mounted on and rotating withYthe cam shaft 81.

The cam groove 154 is so shaped and timed that during each rotation ofthe cam shaft 81, the bell crank 145 rst lowers the table 71 slightly(about one half inch) to lower the lowermost row of containers A awayfrom and thereby frictionally clearY of the remainder of the stack whichis held in clamped position as mentioned hereinbefore. In this loweredposition of the table 71, the row of containers on the table rest Yon apair of horizontally disposed, reciprocable feed bars 157 (Figs. l, 2,

3, 5, and 6) disposed-adjacent the vertical outer side walls of thetable. The feed bars 157 are provided with apair of feed ngers 158 whichengage behind the row of containers and push it endwise, ol the table 71and out from under the other rows of containers held suspended by theclamping pads 121.

As soon as the moving lowermost row of containers is clear of the'table71 and while the feed bars 157 are moving back through a return stroke,the cam groove 154 .lifts the table 71 up into engagementrwith theVbottom of the stack of remaining clamped containers to provide a supportfor these containers. The containers are then unclamped and the table 71is moved down to 'the level 'l of the bed 23 (which isthe normalposition of the table) to locate the bottom row of the remaining rows ofcontainers as a new lowermost row. Y

The containers above this new lowermost row are Y then again clampedagainst movement and the lowermost YVfeed' bars 157 and theirrngers 158to form a substantially continuous procession of containers. f Y Y 'TheVfeed bars 157 operate in a pair-of spaced and nemesis longitudinally inthe bottom of a horizontally disposed runway 162 disposed inesid'wise'alignment V'with 'and forming a continuation of the vertically-movable table 71. The runway 162 isstationary-and extends out from fthemachine frame 21. its euter'end is supported by .a bracket 163 attachedtothe frame 21. The -up'perledges of -the feed bars 157 preferablyVextend above the'top face of the runway 162 as best shown-inFigsl and 3and are flush with the`vertieally movable table 71when the table is inits lowermost position. Spaced and vparallel guide rails 164 secured tothertop of Y.the 'runway 1162 guide the moving containers `andikeep themin straight alignment The feed bars 157 `are 'reciprocated through a-feed 'stroke (toward the Ari'ght'in Figs. l and 6) and thence through areturn stroke, bycrankrnotion in time with the `other nioving ,parts ofthe machine. For dtis'purpose `the loi'ver-edges-of a portion (at theleft in Figs. r1 and 6) of `the feed bars 157 are formed with-rack teeth116e L(see also Fig. `ll) which are tmeshe'd 'with la pair of 'gears 167(Figs. ll andf2)rnountedunderthefeed-bars 157 ouv aicross-shaftrlScarried in bearings 169-formed in lthemachi'ne frame l21.

Disposed 'between thevgears 167,'1the'shaft 16S=carries 1a pinion V171which meshes withia -segmentfgear 172 lforr'ne'd on the upperfend 'of.-a vertically disposedf'arrn 4173. :Atiits lower end '.thear'm -173 ismounted on a pivot'pin 174 (Fig. 4) carried in the ma'chineframe'lZ'near the baselplate v22. 173viis 'connected by a link 176 (see -alsoFig."9)'to1a crank dise 177 Whicheis formed .integrally with fa Tspurlgear i178 :mounted on a short shaft A179 journaledina bearing 1S01inthe'bracket'77 (see Figs. -5=and 9).

The, gear I17811neshes 'with -and is driven by --a gear 181 ofsubstantially the Lsame size. The gear .181 iis itn'ounted on the cam.shaft 81 for rotation therewith "Hence every time thecam shaft 81 makesone revolution, the crank disc 177 makes one revolution -YalsoAaridvthus reciprocates the feed bars 157 through their feedingandreturnfstrokes lfor eachf'row of eohtainers'in -theestacks I inthecarrier B.

During la fee'dstroke of thefeed bars 157 their rfeed -ngers 1158'engage vbehind the row-of Vcontainersrbeing removed lfrom the table 71.`However, 4during the .return stroke 'of the feed bars, rthe .fingers158 are depressed below the feed line ofthe'containers `to clear the'containers of the next row .being loweredintofeed- Lin'gposition bythetable 71. For thisipurpose the' fingers intermediate their :lengths are:mounted onipivot spins 184 y(Figs. ll vand '12) 'carried in-thefeedbars 157. The Lngers 158 'extend fbelow the zieed bars i157 and"carry eamrollers '185 which operate'in stationary-cams 186'(seeV alsoFigs. .1,Y Siand i6) secured in spaced land `parallel horizontal irelation Qin lthe brackets V143,11'11 op- 'positeV sides fof the 'table71. AEach ofthe cams 1S6:are `'formed with a pair of vertically spacedVamd"parallel Team `gre'rmes 187, 1188 rwhichsextend longitudinallyoflthe'cams for a distance lslightly gre'ater'flhan fthe length vof 'thetable 71.

At their ends, ithe Cam lgroovesJ187, 188 :are joined vby-communicatingangularly disposed grooves 2189, 190 which Vclirectfthe cam rollers V135from'fa groove atlfone -levelvto'the other groove'at anotherv level.:rdja'ce'nt the angular groove 190, the cams 186 are provided -witha"switch-gate'191 (Figs. ll and`-l2-)ltavingA on'elendI locatedf"between"the groovesP/, 138' and mounted on a-p'ivot'f pin -1492. vThepins 192 eXtendthroug'hthe-cams i186 and 'adjacent'portions Vofthe'supporting bracket M3, and'out- Yu'ndertension by springs 4'1195.lOne endofeaeh sprin'gis -eonneeted to the arms -194whilethe-'Gpposite=endslare connected to pins 196'whichfprojectfoutlfrom'thefcauis Intermediate Vits ends, 'the arm .E

V"li-lencia"during'faifeedlng stroke (toward theighttas' 'rollers `-185ofthe feed fingers 158 traverse "the lower cam --groove v187 'of the-cams 186 and thus retain "the :feed'fngers 158v in feedingpositionlaslshown 'in' Fig. `11. At the end of the feeding stroke, the camrollers 185 ride `uncler "and Apastthe lower free endsfof Ythe cam'-'gates I191 to thepositionshown in Fig. ll. Y -Hence at the beginningof the return stroke of the feed bars 157 fthefcam rollers 185 ride upalong the upper edges of the cam gates V191 land thusare-directedupwardly into the upper level cam groove 188. This actionpivots the-feed'lngers 158 and thus depresses their upper feeding'endsto a level below the top vedges ofthe feed barssothat the tingersareclear of the'eontainers being lowered in-to feeding position'by thetable 71. The-feed Yfingers 158 remain 'in this depressedposition-duringthe entire return stroke.

`Up'o'n"'reaching`the en'd of this return stroke, 'the 'cam *rollerslg''ride down along theangularly disposed cam grdoves 189(Fig.l)1and'thus'enter the lower camigroove '1787 :for a' repeatVfeeding stroke. This latter actionpivots '-the'feedflingersl158'upwardly sothat they' are in feeding "position behind/thenewly located row of containers resting-on thetable711 andV feedbars'157 in readiness for a feeding stroke of the'barsas describedabove.

The rows of containers A, as they are removedvfrom "the'table 71 by thefeed bars 157 arereceived Ainthe 'runway `162and each new`rowpushes`apreviously-removed row along thechute'to "a continuously movingicontainers-in" substantially l continuous -processional o'd'er tothefilling machine. The belt 198'operates-'ove`1' a jpulley119'9vmounted'on a'shaft'f201 journaled in bearings formedina bracket-202which may be=fa'iprtof1the chute 162' ora'- part fof" the liilling'machine.

-As =eac`h row of v-containers A 'is pushed by the feed )fingers lo'ntoAthe runway 162it'is held 'againstinrov- VVing baeklwith-thengersby alatch 205 (Figs-ll and-8) having a hooked end which engages over thelastfconvtainer in vthe receivedV row. This latch rides on'topof the'containersthrough Vvirtue of its own weight. The latch is fmounted `onia p'ivot'pin 206 vcarried -inbearings1207 which extend up from theguiderails'164 on the runway. V'arm 208 "(`Fig. -8) lon the latchV isengageable `With "the side of Aone of'the'bearings 207 to limitthefdown- `ward travelof the latch.

Reference should fnow' be Vhad to wiring diagram fin Fig. 13ffor'an'explanation of the electric apparatus of `the "machine. In lstarting a cycle of operation ofthe frnaehine, ash'ereinbe'forementioned, the pusherplat'e'Sl vis first 'moved forward (toward theright in EFig` l13) vthrou'gl'ia partial stroke through operation of thefluid 'pressure cylinder 34 and piston 33 to`locatethe innermost stackffcontainers Aon` thetable71. movement 'ofthe'pusher-'plate '-31'iseffected through a shfting"(t`o `Ward5the`left in 'Fig.'13) ofthe slidevalve'39'by'energi- "zationif'the isolenoid-41. The energizationofthe'solenoid 41 is 'iecte'dthrough an lelectric circuit whichincludessource' of 'electric 'current suchasa generator 211 :and a 'normallyopen, electric switch 212 'which' is nio In'le'ntarilyfclosedby'cam'factiononly once at the Vbeginnin'g^of`-tl1ef'cycle of unloading anentire carrier AB.

VThe closingfof'the switch"212 is effected'v by an edge 'cam'214-(Figs.'6, l3` and=l4) the outer'periphery of which isengagedbyafmovable'element'215 of theswitch 212. Thisouter'periphery ofthecam"21`4is formed'withta A'notch '217' (Fig. "14) into wlchfthe'movableelement falls to obtain'instant-closingofthe `-switch as soon-'asthecycle'starts The cam 2134 "fis "mounted'o'n and irotates 'with ashaft1218(FigsJL-"l,"5,'6, and''7)'journalediin'a Abearing 219 inthe-bracketlSS.

to' the pusher plate 31. mentarilyV closes the switch 235 as it passesthe switch l .meshes with and is driven by apinion 222 mounted on theshaft 111. The gear shaft 218 makes on revolution for each carrier B.Since in the preferred form of the machine as shown there arefthreestacks of containers in the carrier, the ratio between the pinion 222 tothe gear lishes a circuit which causes electric current to flow from thegenerator 211 along a Wire 231 to and through the solenoid 41, aconnecting wire 232 to and through-the closed switch 212 and aconnecting wire 233 returning to the generator. Current flowing alongthis circuit momentarily energizes the solenoid 41 and shifts the slidevalve 39 into place to direct the fluid pressure medium entire contentsof the carrier B inwardly a distance equal to the length of a containerAr until the innermost stack of containers engages and stops against thestop plate 72 to locate this stack over the table 71.

. In order to relieve the pressure on the pusher plate 31' while theinnermost stack of containers is being unloaded, .the cutoff valve 47 israised by energization of the electric solenoid 53 as hereinbeforementioned. Energization ofthe solenoid 53 is controlled by an electriccircuit which contains a normally open cutoff switch 235 (Fig. 13) and anormally open holding relay 236 actuated by normally deenergizedsolenoid 237. The cutoff switch 1 V2315 is disposed in the path ofvtravel of a pin 238 which projects out from a bracket 239 (see Fig. 8)attached The pin 238 engages and mojust prior to engagement of theinnermost stack of containers with the stop plate 72.

Y, The Vmomentary closing of the cutoff switch 235 cstablishesthecircuit and causes electric current from the generator 211 to ow alongwire 231 to and along a connecting wire 241, through the cutoff solenoid3, a

, connecting wire 242 to and through the momentarily closedA cutoffswitch 235, a connecting wire 243 to and through the relay solenoid 237,a connecting Wire 244 to Y and through the normally closed slide valveswitch 226,

a connecting wire 245 to and through a normally closed Y release switch246, a wire 247 and wire 233'returning to Y the generator.

Current owing along this Vcircuit energizes the cutoff valve solenoid 53which the cutoff valve 47 and thus temporarily arrests the :forwardmovement of the piston 33 and the pusher plate 31. This current alsoenergizes the relay solenoid 237 and closes" the .relay 236`to by-passthe current around the cutoff switch 235, along wires 249, 251 to holdthe cutoff valve v`solenoid 53 energized and thus hold the pusher plate31 stationary after the cutoff Vswitch '235 opens.

With the pusher plate 31 stationary and the innermost stack ofcontainers A located on the table 71, the stage is set for the beginningof the seven-revolution cycle ofthe cam shaft 81 controlled by theclutch 87 to actuatethe V table 71, the stopplate 72, the clamp pads121, and the Yto engage and rotate the cam shaft 81 is effected bydeenergization of the clutch solenoid 97 which has been held energizedthrough a circuit including a source of Yelectric current such agenerator 254 (Fig. 13) having a WireV 255 toV the solenoid Y97, a wire256 to theclosed switch 101and a wire 257 which connects the switch 101into ythe'cylinder 34 at the left in Fig. 13 as hereinbefore .Ydescribed. This causes the pusher plate 31 to push the to the generator254. The switch 101 is controlled by the cam pin 115' on the gearY 109as hereinbefore mentioned.V At this time inv themachine cycle the campin 115 opens the switch 101 and thus breaks the circuit and deenergizes.the clutch solenoid 97. The spring 98 thereupon shifts vthe `clutch arm94 out of the path of the clutch pawl lug 93 and permits the clutch torotate' the cam shaft 81 through its seven-revolution cycle.'

Just before the completion of the seven-revolution cycle, which isduring the period in which the last row of the stack of containers onthe table-71 is being removed Vfrom the table, :the camzpin 115 closesthe clutch switch 101 and thus reenergizes the clutch solenoid 97 toshift therclutch arm `97 into position to declutch Vthe clutch 87 at theend of the seventh revolution of the'cam shaft 81 to cause the shaft torest during an eighth revolution of the continuously rotating clutch.There is one of these eight-revolution cycles of Ithe clutch for eachstack of containers. Y

Immediately following this action, the switch 246 in thecutoif valveholding circuit is momentarily opened to break the holding circuit bydeenergizing the relay solenoid 237 yand opening the relay 236 and thusdecuergize the cutoff valve solenoid V53.V Opening of the switch 246 iseffected by a cam-pin 261 (Figs. 6, 10 and 13) disposed adjacent thecam-pin 215 on the gear 109.

The deenergization of the cutol valve solenoid 53 releases the cutoffvalve 47 andv causes it to return tov its normal position therebypermitting the, lluicl pressure medium to again enter the cylinder 34(at theleft in Fig. 13) and push the pusher plate 31 through anotherpartial stroke to locate Ythe next or second stack of containers inplace on the table 71. This partial stroke of the pusher plate 31 isterminated at the proper time and in the'same manner, by ajreestablishment of the cutoff valve circuit vbut through the closing ofa second normally open 'cutoff switch 263 disposed in the path of travelof the cam-pin 238 on the pusher. plate (see Figs. 8 and 13). v

The second cutoff switch 263 is' connected by a wire 264 to the wire 249of the circuit and by a wire 265 to the wire 251. Hence when this switchis closed it reestablishes the cutoff valve circuit and energizes thecutoff Valve Ysolenoid 53 to raise the cutoff valve 47 into cutoffposition yand also energizes the relay solenoid 237 to close the relay236 and thereby hold the circuit'energized -until again-broken by theopening of the switch 246 upon complete removal of the containers in thesecond stack. In a similar manner the third partial stroke of the pusherplate 31 is arrested upon delivery of the third and last stack ofcontainers onto the table 71 for unloading.

This is effected by a third normally openY cutoff switch i VAlishes thecutoff valve circuit and energizes the cutoff Yvalve solenoid 53 toraisethercutoff valve 47 to cut ol position and to energize the relaysolenoid '237 to close the holding relay 236 to hold the cutoff valve 47in position in the same mannerV as hereinbefore explained in connectionwith the partial movements of the pusher plate 31 for the first andsecond stacks of containers. Y

Upon complete removal of the containers in the last stack, row-by-row,and while 4the last row is being removed from the table 71, the cutoffvalve circuit is momentarily broken a little before its usual timethrough van opening of the switch 226 actuated by the edge cam 224 onthe shaft 218. This returns the cutoff valve 47 to its normal position.Simultaneously with the opening of the switch 226 its contactsVmomentarily close against other contacts 270 which connect with theslide valve solenoidV 42. Electric current while being Vdisconnected romthe cutoff valve circuit, thus flows from the generator '211 along Ywire231 to a wire 271, to and pretense solenoid 42 and thus causes thevslide valve'39fto shift back into its normal position as shown in Fig.13.

Shifting of the slide valve S9 to its normal position changes thedirection of ow of the uid pressure medium so that it enters thecylinder 34 at the right as viewed in Fig. 13. This pushes the piston 33back in one continuous stroke to its normal position as shown inFig. 13and (thus retracts'the pusher plate 31 to its normal position for thereception 'of a `new carrier B and a 'repeat unloading cycle asexplained hereinbefore. This completes the cycle of operation of themachine.

It is thought that --the invention and many of its attendant advantageswill be understood from the foregoing description, and it will beapparent that various changes may be made in the form, construction andarrangement of the parts without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe invention or sacrificing all of its material advantages, the formhereinbefore described being merely a preferred embodiment thereof.

l claim:

l. A machine for unloading containers arranged in a compact unit of aplurality of juxtaposed parallel vertical stacks of single rows ofcontainers, comprising in combination a support for a said unit ofcontainers; a table for receiving a said vertical stack of containersfrom said support and mounted adjacent said support for substantiallyvertical movement between a raised position substantially coplanar withsaid support and a lowered position; pusher means disposed adjacent saidsupport -for pushing the entire unit of containers toward said table todeliver individual vertical stacks of single rows of containersprogressively from said -unit onto said table and in vertical alignmenttherewith while the table is in said raised position; opposed clampmembers terminating in pads engageable against the outermost containerwalls at opposite ends of each row above the bottom row of containers onthe table, said clamp members being yieldably mounted in a pair of clampwings movable inwardly and outwardly in unison, respectively toward andaway from the ends of the rows of containers in the said stack inalignment with said table to yieldably clamp between opposing pads andhold in suspension all of the rows of containers above the bottom row insaid stack; feeding means adjacent said table for advancing saidcontainers horizontally from the table while it is in lowered position;and means for actuating said pusher means, clamp wings, table andfeeding means in synchronism whereby said clamp members are moved awayfrom the containers when said table is in its raised position to releasethe vertical stack to said table, and said clamp members are movedtoward and into engagement against the containers above the lowermostrow before said table reaches its lowered position.

2. A machine for unloading containers arranged in a compact unit of aplurality of juxtaposed parallel vertical stacks of single rows ofcontainers, comprising in combination a support for said unit ofcontainers; a table mounted adjacent said support for substantiallyvertical movement between raised and lowered positions; a reciprocablepusher plate disposed adjacent said support for pushing the entire unitof containers toward said table to deliver individual vertical stacksor" single rows of containers progressively from said unit to alignmentwith said table; a fluid pressure mechanism for actuating said plate,said mechanism including a cylinder, a piston housed in said cylinderand connected with said plate, a slide valve and conduits connectingwith the ends of said cylinder for directing a iluid pressure mediumagainst opposite faces of said piston to reciprocate said pusher platethrough a pushing stroke and a return stroke, a cutod valve in theconduits for alternately connecting said lid fslide valve :with oneendof v.saidcylirider'andi-within fbypass t'o' thesource of saidiiuidpressure"medium'ftofeict partial movements o'saidl pusher plate through-its pushing'stroke, Veach l of Asaid zpartial movements being fof aElength equal to the jdistance traveled to position Teach Vverticalstack of vcontainers individually -on `said table, and control meansfactuatedlby 's'aidpusher 'plate *and connecting with said cutoff valveto c'ontrbl-tlie` actuation of said cutoff valve 'to makesaid alternateconnections with-saidslide'valve and said by-pa'ssfland'thereby effectsaid partial movements of the 'pusher plate;-clarnpfmembers operableagainst the opposite `endcontainers?in'at least the row above thelowermost row in fthe stack on said table'to hold all the'containersabve'the lowermost row against displacement; feeding'means adjacent saidtablelfor removing said separated rowl of containers-from said table;and means for actuating said fluid pressure mechanism, said table andsaid feeding means in synchronism, whereby all rows of containers abovethe lowermost row in each vertical stack fed by said plate to said tableare held between said clamp members before Said lowermost row is movedby said table to its lowered position and removed therefrom by saidfeeding means.

3. A machine for unloading containers arranged in a compact unit of aplurality of juxtaposed parallel vertical stacks of single rows ofcontainers, comprising in combination a support for a said unit ofcontainers; a table mounted adjacent said support for substantiallyvertical movement between a raised position, substantially coplanar withsaid support, and a lowered position; pusher means disposed adjacentsaid support for pushing the unit of vertical stacks toward said tableto deliver individual vertical stacks of single rows of containersprogressively vfrom said unit onto said table and in vertical alignmenttherewith; a movable abutment for intermittently engaging and locatingall containers in each stack as the stack is advanced onto said table bysaid pusher means and during subsequent unloading of the stack; opposedclamp members engageable against the outermost container walls atopposite ends of at least the row above the bottom roW of containers onthe table; feeding means adjacent said table for advancing saidcontainers horizontally thereyfrom while the table is in said loweredposition; and means for actuating said pusher means, abutment, clampmembers, table and feeding means in synchronism whereby said clampmembers are moved outwardly and said abutment is moved into locatingengagement with the stack wheneverV said table is in raised position andsaid clamp members are moved inwardly against the containers above thelowermost row before said table reaches said lowered position and beforesaid feeding means advance the containers from the table.

4. A machine for unloading containers arranged in a compact unit of aplurality of juxtaposed parallel vertical stacks of single rows ofcontainers, comprising in combination a support for a said unit ofcontainers; a table for receiving a said vertical stack of containersfrom said support and mounted adjacent said support for substantiallyvertical movement between a raised position, substantially coplanar withsaid support, and a lowered position; a vertically disposed stop platemounted for substantially horizontal reciprocation toward and away fromsaid table and a said stack of containers thereon for locating andguiding a said stack relative to said table; pusher means disposedadjacent said support for pushing the entire unit of containers towardsaid table to deliver individual vertical stacks of single rows ofcontainers progressively from said unit onto said table and in verticalalignment therewith; opposed clamp members terminating in padsengageable against the outermost container walls at opposite ends ofeach row above the bottom row of containers on said table, said clampmembers being yieldably mounted in a pair of clamp wings movableoutwardly and inwardly in unison, respectively toward and away from theends of the rows of containers in the said stack in alignment with saidtable to yieldably clamp between opposing pads and hold in suspensional1 of the rows of containers above the bottom row in said stack;feeding means adjacent said table for advancing said containershorizontally from the table while it is in lowered position:

' vrand means for actuating said pusher means, stop plate, clamp wings,table and feeding means in synchronism,

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS1,330,639 Leumann Feb. 10, 1920 16 Y Mitchusson et al Jan. 3, 1928Milmoe May 7, 1929 Radtke Nov. 20, 1934 Malocsay Aug. l1, 1936 MilmoeNov. 14, 1939 Gurley 'Jan. 16, 194() Forsthoefel Aug. 19, 1941 Smith May22, 1951 Johnson Dec. 29, 1953 Van Doren Feb. 15, 1955 Paxton Mar. 29,1955 Kowal Dec. 10, 1957 FOREIGN PATENTS Germany May 27, 1890

